Trick or Treat!

We took the kids trick or treating this year. This is the first year we did strictly trick or treating. In years past, we've gone to the mall, or a fall festival. But this year, we wanted them to experience trick or treating like we did when we were kids. They had a blast! We went to Grandma & Papa's house first, and started on their street. Caroline lasted about 6 houses, so we came home, and the big kids & Daddy went out. They came back with loads of candy. (which has been thoroughly enjoyed by mom & dad!)






Will as Mr. Incredible



Olivia as what else? A princess of course!



Caroline as my sweet Kitty




the crew

Pumpkin Patch Fun

We went to two different pumpkin patches this year. We went to one with a good friend and her kids, and then a family trip. All three kids had a great time. Caroline was obsessed with the hay, and Will and Olivia had a great time running around!
*sorry, I couldn't get my pictures to line up!*

I've got my hands full....

Yes, I have three kids. That's three kids people, not thirty! For some reason, it drives me insane when I go out with my kids, and random people look at me with wide eyes and say "Wow, you've got your hands full!" Um, thanks for noticing. And let me clarify, it's never "wow, you've got your hands full, let me help you!" It's usually just a statement, as if they're making a great observation that I was not aware of. If it was the first statement, I don't think that would annoy me. I usually just kind of smile, and say "yeah, I do!" Now, I know three kids is more than one, but seriously it's not as if I have an obscene amount of kids! In fact, I would say that a majority of my friends have 3 kids. I'm not going to pretend that my kids are perfect, or that I am supermom, because frankly we are all far from that. But generally my kids are pretty well behaved. They like going to the grocery store, and going out in general.(this is not to say that I reserve my errands for when I have all three!) I'm not sure what it is about three kids that pushes people over the edge. Maybe it's because I'm outnumbered, or because I look young. (What do you say when people tell you you look too young to have three kids? Because I've gotten that one too! Ummm...thanks?) Although it doesn't happen as often, my husband and I get it when we're together too. Maybe our kids really are wacko, and we don't notice it since we're used to the chaos. Who knows! Hopefully when I get older, I will remember how much that annoyed me and instead say, "You have some beautiful kids!"

So tired...must...sleep

Possibly the only thing I miss from my pre-mommy days is sleep. My husband calls me a cat because if I could, I'd sleep all day. I could sleep until noon and not even think twice about it. I was a deep sleeper too, it took a lot to wake me up. In college, my roommate and I slept right through a fire alarm! (Luckily there was no fire, it was just a drill!) I could sleep through storms, people yelling...seriously, if they gave awards out for sleeping, I could have swept up.
But times have changed. Oh how times have changed! All it took was my son being born, and BAM! I'm now the world's lightest sleeper. I wake at any little noise. Someone coughs or sneezes, or takes too loud of a breath, and I'm snapped out of sleep immediately. I've always loved coffee, but now that I wake up through out the night, and my son is an early riser, it holds a special place in my heart!
Will is an early bird (who says God doesn't have a sense of humor!), no matter what time he goes to bed, he always wakes up at the same time. His usual time is around 6:30, but this morning, he strolled into my room at 6:00! Seriously?! It was still dark outside! He's the type of kid who wakes up ready to go. He might lay down again, but he's definitely not going to sleep. Olivia likes to stay up late, and wakes up late. (later than Will anyway!) She, like her mama, is going to need a cup of coffee before she can get moving.
If you still get the luxury of sleeping in, then enjoy it! Meanwhile I will mourn the loss of my sleeping in days...or maybe I'll go take a nap!

Mute Button

There's no denying that all three of my kids are loud. (My husband likes to point out that they get that from their mother!) I was kind of hoping that the baby would be nice and quiet...yeah no such luck. She may be quieter (for now!) , but she is definitely chatty. We are going to be in trouble once she and Olivia get going.
Even though Will is loud and super talkative, there is no comparison to that ear splitting shriek that comes out of my girls. If you have girls, then your eardrums are just as shattered as mine. I'm convinced that it is truly a female trait. Both of my girls have been doing this since they figured out how to make noise. And most of the time it's a happy sound...most of the time! I will never forget the look on my husband's face the first time Olivia screamed. I just laughed and said, "she's a girl!" And now, once one girl starts, the other joins in so we have a "chorus" of shrieks that leaves our ears ringing.
Jason told Will they would build a tree house to have their own little man cave to escape to...unless I find a mute button, I just may have to join them! ;)

Will the Thrill

Will is 6 today! I can't believe that 6 years have gone by so fast. It sounds so cliche, but it really feels like he was just born! I feel like I blinked, and he's six and in kindergarten. Pretty soon, I will blink, and he will be graduating from high school. I'm so thankful to be your mom, so here's to you my little man!

Dear Will,
God brought you into our lives at a time when we so needed you. I was struggling with sadness, and you were my spark of joy. Your daddy and I were thrilled when we found out you were a boy. We had a feeling that you were, and had never even talked about girls' names. We named you well when we named you Will!
You are so smart, (sometimes a little too smart!) and can be stubborn. I know with that combination, you will be a success at whatever you decide to do. Along with that, you are so thoughtful, you always complement people, and you notice all the little things. You are so funny, you love to be silly and make people laugh. Your sisters are your biggest fans, and you are going to be such a good protector for them.
I know that God has great plans for you, and will use you in a mighty way. I'm so thankful that He chose your daddy & I to guide you in your life. I pray that you will come to know Him, and let others see Him in you.

Your smile and laughter are infectious. I love the way your eyes sparkle when you think something is funny. You bring us joy every day that you are with us, and we are so lucky to have you in our lives. You are a true blessing in our lives.
I love you buddy!

Mommy

Daddy's Girls

I love my husband. God has truly blessed me with a great man. We have been together since we were in high school. Through the years, I have enjoyed watching him grow as a man and a husband. But I get the most joy out of watching him grow as a Daddy. I am so thankful that my kids have such a good Daddy who loves them, and is completely involved in each aspect of their lives.

Those of you who know my husband know he is a complete guy's guy. He loves all things sports, and is super competitive. I had no doubt that he'd be a great dad to our son. They have such a good time together. Dad is his hero, no one else can quite measure up.

When we found out that we were having a girl (and then another girl!), I think he was a little worried. He had two brothers, so girls were a whole new territory. That being said, our daughters have had his heart completely since he first saw their sweet faces. Since that first moment when we had our ultrasounds, his protectiveness kicked in. He was already making rules about dating and boyfriends and our tiny princesses were mere ounces. I pray that when they do get to that point, they will seek to find a boy that is like their daddy, and who loves them with all their hearts.

Their daddy is their world. When he comes home from work, they rush to the door (what a greeting!), to try to claim him first. It warms my heart (as I'm sure it does his!) that they fight over him, and who he holds first. They both love to snuggle with him, and take every opportunity to do so. I love to hear the giggles and squeals that come from them when they are getting tickled.

Each time I see my husband, I am reminded of how blessed I am, as are my kids.